Prisons director slams inquiry

Kirsten Singleton

Tuesday

Aug 28, 2007 at 6:00 AM

COLUMBIA - State Department of Corrections Director Jon Ozmint sharply criticized a Senate subcommittee looking into alleged mismanagement and misdeeds in the department - an investigation he dubbed a "witch hunt."

"This is about the fact that I wouldn't 'go along to get along,'" he said.

Mr. Ozmint declined to give more specifics or to substantiate that claim.

He appeared calmer Monday afternoon after the committee's decision to ask the State Law Enforcement Division and the Legislative Audit Council to investigate.

The Senate panel began meeting earlier this summer and, after Monday's meeting, chairman Sen. Mike Fair, R-Greenville, said he intended to hear testimony at additional meetings.

But after details from an initial report about the allegations, not intended to be made public, were leaked to The (Columbia) State last week, Mr. Fair said he believed it was right to turn over the investigation to SLED and the LAC, which can conduct the interviews in private.

The report was not made public.

Mr. Ozmint released a lengthy statement denying many of the allegations:

- that he had a go-cart track constructed at his house, which is on DOC property;

- that firearms and ammunition are missing at Kershaw Correctional Institution;

- that unfit food is being served to inmates; and ,what Mr. Ozmint said is the most egregious claim,

- that officers did not immediately intervene Nov. 3 when a female employee was taken hostage and repeatedly assaulted by a convicted rapist at Ridgeland Correctional Institution in Jasper County, in hopes of keeping the incident quiet out of fear it "could have a negative impact on the gubernatorial election."

Days later, Gov. Mark Sanford was elected to a second term.

Some of the allegations would constitute criminal behavior, and if anyone truly witnessed those events, he or she should have reported them to law enforcement, Mr. Ozmint said.

He also criticized The State for printing unsubstantiated allegations.

The newspaper noted that, according to the report, the complaints were based on firsthand accounts but should not be considered findings of fact.

Mr. Ozmint called on the Senate committee to submit a written apology to SLED and Corrections employees.

Mr. Fair said that the Senate committee will not reconvene unless necessary and until after the LAC releases its report, probably after Jan. 1, assuming that the council agrees to investigate the allegations.

After hearing concerns that the committee was on a "witch hunt," Mr. Fair said he deliberately constituted the committee to include senators who get along well with Mr. Sanford, such as Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken.

Mr. Sanford appointed Mr. Ozmint director in 2003.

Mr. Fair said he has suggested to Mr. Ozmint that the director not be so openly critical of lawmakers.

"I did suggest to him that he tone down his rhetoric," Mr. Fair said.

During Monday's meeting, Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, asked that any future documents and testimony be submitted under oath.

The committee agreed.

Mr. Ozmint said that he and his employees will be willing to testify, and subpoenas will not be needed.